A Holistic Approach to Gender Equality & Advocacy
Gender Equality & Advocacy
Championing Rights & Fostering Respect
In the heartlands of rural Kenya, the fabric of society is often woven with deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that disproportionately affect women and girls. These cultural expectations frequently relegate them to a secondary status, diminishing their voices in family and community decisions. Harmful traditional practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early or forced marriages persist, robbing girls of their childhood, education, and autonomy. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a quiet pandemic, often shrouded in silence and stigma. When women experience violence, they face significant barriers to justice, including unsympathetic law enforcement, a lack of awareness of their rights, and economic dependence on their abusers. This cycle of inequality not only stifles individual potential but also hobbles the progress of the entire community.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that the pursuit of gender equality also requires addressing the unique challenges and ensuring the voices of men and boys, including widowers, are heard and supported. While often beneficiaries of patriarchal systems, they too can be constrained by rigid gender roles, expectations, and suffer from a lack of support systems, particularly in times of vulnerability such as widowhood. Their inclusion is vital for genuine, lasting societal change.
Action Smiles Intervention
Our Strategy
ACTION SMILES INTERNATIONAL tackles these systemic issues head-on through a multi-faceted advocacy and support strategy. We believe that true change begins with knowledge and dialogue, extending our reach to empower and support all members of the community.
- Community Dialogue and Male Engagement: We facilitate “Community Barazas” (public meetings) and smaller, safe-space discussion groups that bring women, men, boys, widowers, and community elders together. We actively recruit and train “Male Champions” to advocate against GBV and outdated traditions, shifting cultural perspectives from within. This inclusive approach ensures that the entire community, including those who may traditionally hold power, are part of the conversation and solution.
- Safe Spaces and Survivor Support: For survivors of GBV, we are establishing a network of support. This includes providing confidential psychosocial counseling to help heal trauma, offering referrals to trusted medical and legal aid partners, and creating safe spaces where individuals can share experiences and build solidarity without fear of judgment. While primarily serving women and girls, we also recognize the need to develop support systems for men and boys who may experience gender-based harm, including widowers who often face unique social and emotional challenges.
- Know-Your-Rights Campaigns: Through local radio talk shows, informational materials in local languages, and community workshops, we demystify Kenyan laws like the Sexual Offences Act and the Prohibition of FGM Act. We empower women, girls, men, and boys to understand their legal rights and the pathways to seek justice, ensuring everyone is equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and advocate for others.
- Empowering Diverse Leadership: We identify and mentor potential leaders within communities, equipping women, men, and youth with the skills and confidence to participate in local governance and decision-making bodies. This ensures diverse perspectives are represented where it matters most, fostering a more inclusive and equitable decision-making process for the entire community.
Intended Outcome
Envisioned Impact
Our vision is a community where every woman, girl, man, and boy is valued, respected, and safe. We envision a future where daughters are seen as equally deserving of opportunity as sons, where violence against all individuals is socially unacceptable, and where women and men are confident leaders co-creating a more just and prosperous future for their families and communities. By including and empowering widowers, men, and boys in our advocacy, we believe we can achieve a truly transformative and sustainable impact on gender equality in rural Kenya.
Join Our Mission. Volunteer, Donate, Advocate. Get Started Today.
Email: enquiries@actionsmiles.org
Call Us: +254 722 208 806